Matt Halpern's Drum Setup on Periphery V: Aliens (2023) | MetalForge

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Periphery's most recent album?

Periphery's most recent album is Periphery V: Aliens, released on April 21, 2023 on 3DOT Recordings — the band's own independent label. It is the seventh studio album from the Washington D.C.-based progressive metal band and their first full-length release since Periphery IV: Hail Stan in 2019. Matt Halpern recorded the drums using his established Mapex Saturn V MH Exotic setup and Meinl Byzance cymbal arsenal, produced once again by guitarist Misha Mansoor.

What drums did Matt Halpern use on Periphery V: Aliens?

Matt Halpern recorded Periphery V: Aliens (2023) on his Mapex Saturn V MH Exotic kit — the flagship configuration bearing his initials that he developed in collaboration with Mapex. The Saturn V features maple-and-walnut hybrid shells with SONIClear bearing edges, providing focused attack and warm sustain across the album's full dynamic range. The configuration included a single 22-inch by 18-inch bass drum, 10-inch and 12-inch rack toms, and 14-inch and 16-inch floor toms. Cymbals were Meinl Byzance throughout, including Dual hi-hats, Extra Dry crashes, and Extra Dry ride. The Vic Firth Matt Halpern Signature stick and Evans heads completed the setup.

How does Matt Halpern's setup on Periphery V: Aliens compare to the debut album?

Thirteen years separate Periphery's 2010 debut from Periphery V: Aliens (2023), and the gear evolution is significant. The debut featured a DW Collector's Series maple kit with Sabian HHX cymbals and pedals rotating between the Pearl Demon Drive and Tama Speed Cobra. Aliens uses a Mapex Saturn V MH Exotic with Meinl Byzance cymbals and DW 9000 double pedals. The through-line is Halpern's consistent approach: single 22-inch by 18-inch bass drum, Vic Firth Matt Halpern Signature sticks, Evans heads, and the same philosophical commitment to groove-first, articulation-focused drumming that defined the debut. The gear has evolved, the approach has not.

What label released Periphery V: Aliens?

Periphery V: Aliens was released on 3DOT Recordings, Periphery's own independent label. Periphery founded 3DOT Recordings to maintain full creative and commercial control of their recordings, and the label has released Periphery IV: Hail Stan (2019) and Periphery V: Aliens (2023). The 2023 album was produced by guitarist Misha Mansoor — the same producer-guitarist who has helmed every Periphery studio recording since the self-titled debut in 2010.